February 15, 2002

Re.: Truth (historical facts) or Diplomacy?
Desbele Kahsai

 

M. Filli A.

 

Dear Desbele:

 

You state:  “the world's system is built on diplomacy and wheeling and dealing culture. Dr. Filli based his arguments on the basis of colonial treaties and is assuring us Eritrea will prevail.” Allow me to make some corrections here: I argued my case based on the Algiers Agreement in general and section 4.2 of this same agreement in particular. Section 4.2 has two provisions: 1) That the cited Colonial treaties be strictly adhered to and 2) It stipulates that “the world’s system of diplomacy, wheeling, and dealing culture” be completely ruled out by including the now famous statement “the Commission shall not render judgment based on ex aequo et bono”. That is the only way this case is going to be adjudicated. Section 4.2 is both the Law and the Basis for resolving the case in point. You seem to have doubts about the ex aequo et bono stipulation but I don’t. I don’t necessarily disagree about the diplomatic flaws of PFDJ, but the fact remains that this case be resolved as stipulated in the peace accord for it to succeed. And I don’t see any reason nor do I know of any doubts expressed by either party regarding the credibility of the commission that would cause me to doubt the integrity of the commission.

 

As to the historical genesis of this conflict, I would like to assure you in no uncertain terms that I am well aware of the incidents between TPLF. EPLF, and ELF around Badme and environs when they happened. I am as saddened by that as you are, I did not condone it then and I don’t condone it now either. It was tragic and wrong then and it is wrong now. I don’t dwell in the past but I don’t ignore it either, but I still want to move on. If you want to take up issue with PFDJ regarding this matter, you have all the right. And I am all ears, given appropriate forum. My friend, don’t get me wrong, I am open to all kinds of criticisms against PFDJ/PIA or whatever. 

 

Having said that, it is now about The Hague findings and I stand by my posts that Eritrea will prevail.

 

 

 

 

LET THE PEOPLE HAVE VOICE